Winter's end spells start of magpie attacks

SYDNEY - As winter draws to a close in Australia, it brings with it the sunny skies and pristine weather conditions that see tourists from around the world flock to the country to take advantage of the shifted seasons in the southern hemisphere.

But, every year at this time is also the season that every Australian walking down tree-filled paths dreads - the beginning of the magpie swooping season.

The Australian magpie, a bird native to Australia, is - according to official reports from the Australian government - able to smell fear, and swoop in and attack any animal, including humans, who get too close to their nests during their breeding season which runs from late August to October.